Join the #TheProgressivePlanter Photo/Video Contest! 🌱

Get creative, share a fun photo, and you could win your pick of a couple of great prizes—plus I’ll donate $1 for every entry to Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children.

How to Enter:

  1. Pre-order a copy of the book here.

  2. Post a fun, creative photo or video by June 6th, 2025 (pre-made photos, a photo with the cover, or something creative: watering a plant, a church, your pastor—be imaginative! Examples available below.)

  3. Mention The Progressive Planter in your caption.

  4. Tag Joe Graves and use the hashtag #TheProgressivePlanter

  5. Upload to Instagram or Facebook (not just a share—original post only!)

  6. Get your friends to vote once the contest begins! The voting will be from June 9th to 13th

Every entry comes with a bonus chapter and supports a great cause.
Full instructions below 👇

Here’s how to enter:

Step 1: Preorder the book (honor system)

    1. Can’t afford a copy? Reach out. We offer a scholarship and a discount for those who qualify. 

    2. Don’t need a copy? Purchasing a copy is not required, but it's encouraged. I genuinely do hope you’ll grab a copy!

    3. Get it here: https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791040116/

Step 2: Post a photo using the hashtag #theprogressiveplanter

Here are 3 options to consider: 

Option 1. Post a Creative Photo of You Watering a Plant, Church, Pastor, or Something Creative

Ideas (See examples below): 

  • Hold a watering can at a distance so it looks like you're watering a church (like the “leaning tower” illusion).

  • Build a small church out of LEGO, place it near a plant, and water it.

  • Gently pour a watering can over your pastor in their robe or clerical attire.

  • "Plant" a pride flag, heart, or mini church in a garden and snap a photo.

  • Have your kids draw their version of the book cover.

  • Utilize AI to create something entirely original.

  • Make it a video—especially if you're splashing your pastor (and only with their permission, of course…)

  1. Mention The Progressive Planter Book in your caption and tag Joe Graves

  2.  Use the hashtag #TheProgressivePlanter

Option 2. Show Off the Book Cover!

  1. Post a photo of you holding up the book cover on your phone or tablet

  2. Download the cover image here.

  3.  Use the hashtag #TheProgressivePlanter and tag Joe Graves’s personal profile or public page

Option 3: Post One of These Pre-Made Cover Images

  1. Download images options here.

  2. Add your creative twist—props, filters, setting—go wild!

  3. Use the hashtag #TheProgressivePlanter and tag tag Joe Graves’s personal profile or public page

  4. Remember: the more creative your photo, the more likely you'll be to receive votes!

Step 3: Upload your photo(s) to Instagram and Facebook (not just a share—must be an original upload!). Be sure to include the official hashtag: #TheProgressivePlanter

    1. Must upload before June 6th, 2025

    2. Must use hashtag: the only way to be added to the photo contest is by uploading a photo and using the hashtag! When it’s added to the contest, I’ll comment on your post, “Thanks! Added” If you want to make sure it’s been included, please message Joe!

Step 4: SHARE THE PHOTO CONTEST

From June 9th to 13th, we will have the photo contest. I will provide the link, and you can share it to garner as many votes as possible for your photo. 

Prizes & Perks

  • Everyone who participates will receive an exclusive bonus chapter of the book!

  • For every photo entered, I’ll personally donate $1 to Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, a cause close to my heart.

  • The photo with the most votes receives the first pick of the prizes, second place gets the next pick, and so on, until all prizes are claimed.

Prize Options To Choose From:

  • $100 gift card of your choice

  • For All Gift Basket: a collection of merchandise (shirts, glasses, etc) from our favorite non-alcoholic drink service.

  • Pretty Good Pastor (TBD)

  • More coming soon.

Prizes & Perks

  • Everyone who participates will receive an exclusive bonus chapter of the book!

  • For every qualifying photo entered, I’ll personally donate $1 to Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, a cause close to my heart.

  • The photo with the most votes receives the first pick of the prizes, second place gets the next pick, and so on, until all prizes are claimed.

Prizes To Choose From:

  • $100 gift card of your choice

  • For All Gift Basket: a collection of merchandise (shirts, glasses, etc) from our favorite non-alcoholic drink service.

  • Pretty Good Pastor (TBD)

  • More coming soon.

What Not to Post (Disqualification Guidelines)

We want this to be fun, creative, and meaningful—but also respectful and safe. To keep things positive and aligned with the heart of The Progressive Planter, here’s what won’t be included in the contest:

❌ Irrelevant or Disconnected
The photo needs to tie to the themes of planting healthy, loving churches. If the picture doesn’t reflect this, an adequate description needs to be included to explain the connection. Failure to use the hashtag or mention the book will result in disqualification.

❌ No Harmful or Unsafe Content
Please don’t post anything that puts people (or plants!) in danger—no fire, real destruction, unsafe stunts, etc.

❌ No Offensive or Inappropriate Content
Photos that include hate speech, nudity, profanity, or anything discriminatory or disrespectful to any group or person will be disqualified.

❌ No AI-Generated Images That Feature Real People Without Consent
We love creativity—including AI! However, don’t use AI to recreate or represent real people without their explicit permission.

❌ No Copyrighted Material Without Permission
If you use props or music in a video, ensure you have the necessary rights to do so. Let’s honor creators!

❌ No Duplicate or Recycled Posts
Each photo should be uploaded uniquely (not just reshared), and you can only enter a photo once (although multiple different entries are welcome).

If a photo doesn’t meet these guidelines, we’ll kindly skip it when building the contest gallery. Questions? Just message Joe! We want to celebrate you and your creativity while keeping things fun, fair, and focused.